Lela Gutierrez began making pottery in the 1930s with her husband, Van Gutierrez.  After Van passed away in 1956 she continued to make pottery with her son, Luther Gutierrez.  She would make the pieces and Luther would paint the designs.  They worked together for only 10 years from 1956 to 1966.  This bowl has a low, sharp shoulder and sloping sides. There is a complex designed avanyu encircling the piece.  Note the various designs that make up the body of the designs, from clouds to a small bear paw.  There are six different colors of clay used on the bowl.  All the various colors are derived from natural clay slips and painted onto the piece before it was fired.  It is signed on the bottom, “Lela/Luther”.  It is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.